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After a short trip back to Juneau for the special legislative session, I am back in Kodiak and plan to be on the island for the remainder of the summer. Thank you to everyone who gave me input before the special session, and those who gave me feedback afterward.
The main reason the Governor called us back to Juneau was to consider the percent of market value (POMV) plan for the Permanent Fund. During the regular legislative session, the majority of House members, myself included, voted to put the plan before voters this fall. However, the Senate side needed nine Senators to change their votes in order to put POMV on the ballot. They did not get the additional votes during the special session.
The high price of oil also eased pressure on legislators seeking a solution to the fiscal gap - money from taxes on oil was pouring into the states coffers while legislators reconvened in Juneau. Despite the high oil prices, I remain committed to forging a long-term solution to our fiscal woes. We cannot be dependent solely on the volatile oil market. I will continue to support letting the voters decide on this important issue.
Speaking of high oil prices, one positive thing the House accomplished during the special session was to encourage the Governor to appropriate $5 million for energy assistance in rural Alaska. This help will be critical for our villages in the coming winter.
Cigarette Tax
The legislature did pass a "tobacco tax" during the special session. The version passed only affects cigarettes and institutes a $1 per pack tax over the next four years. Next year the cigarette tax will increase by 60 cents, 20 cents the following year, nothing the third year, then 20 cents during the fourth year.
I did not vote for the cigarette tax. SB/HB 1001 was touted as a health-related bill, but little of the millions raised by the tax will be spent on tobacco cessation programs. While it will generate a significant amount of revenue - about $29 million the first year and $35 million in future years, I believe it is unfair to tax one addicted part of our population to try to fill in the fiscal gap. I am also concerned about making the tax on cigarettes so large that it encourages more smuggling and criminal activity.
Kodiak Launch Complex
I have heard from many of you regarding the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation's request to limit access to more land leading up to and during launches.
I understand your concerns about limiting access to public lands - especially in an area where many of our community recreate often. As a result, I have spoken with several people in the Department of Natural Resources. They have agreed to hold a public hearing to hear from our community and get all sides of the issue. They will be announcing the date and location of the public hearing in the newspaper soon.
Fisheries Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced another grant program for which Alaska fishermen may be eligible. The Value-added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is for those planning and marketing value-added products. The maximum amount awarded is $500,000, and all grants must be matched by an equal amount by the applicant or a third party.
For more information on this program, contact Dean Stewart, USDA Rural Development, Palmer, Alaska, (907) 761-7722 or dean.stewart ''at'' ak.usda.gov. The deadline is July 30.
ASMI Committees
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has recently undergone some major changes, including a new seven-member board. With fewer members, the board will rely more heavily on committees for input on specific fisheries. The new ASMI committees will meet regularly and be active in making recommendations to the board on programs. The committees are: whitefish, international, salmon, shellfish, halibut/sablefish, and technical.
Committee membership is limited to those who pay a processor assessment to ASMI, those who have fished in Alaska during the last year, or those who have a specific skill or attribute the board feels will benefit the committee.
For more information or to apply, contact Kara Winegar at (907) 465-5568 or kwinegar ''at'' alaskaseafood.org. The application deadline is August 6.
Blackburn Death
Our community lost an invaluable member when Chris Blackburn passed away on June 29. Chris was a strong advocate for our commercial fisheries and worked tirelessly and passionately for science-based management of fisheries. Her achievements both as a fisheries activist and as a community leader are too varied and numerous to list.
She will be sorely missed.
And remember, my ears and door are always open to you.
Dan Ogg
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